Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method
The accurate description of fracture distributions is a crucial prerequisite for fracturing design and the evaluation of fracturing effects in tight reservoirs. We employed a fractal L-system to establish a tree branch model and derived a planar simulation method to characterize the distribution of...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Fractal and Fractional |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3110/9/3/191 |
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| author | Chaoyang Hu Keyu Ma Lihua Shi Yang Lv Fengjiao Wang |
| author_facet | Chaoyang Hu Keyu Ma Lihua Shi Yang Lv Fengjiao Wang |
| author_sort | Chaoyang Hu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The accurate description of fracture distributions is a crucial prerequisite for fracturing design and the evaluation of fracturing effects in tight reservoirs. We employed a fractal L-system to establish a tree branch model and derived a planar simulation method to characterize the distribution of natural weak discontinuities in rock. Weak discontinuities are classified using fractal similarity principles, enabling the determination of shear and opening criteria for weak discontinuities at various levels in water-based and CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing, as well as the pressure drop gradient within fractures after the initiation of weak discontinuities. Based on a weak discontinuity distribution model and fracture criteria, a simulation calculation method for the distribution of fracturing branch fractures was formulated. The results indicate that the number of branch fractures is closely related to the net pressure within the fractures at the wellbore and the difference between the maximum and minimum principal stresses in the reservoir. Compared with water-based fracturing fluids, CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing can facilitate the opening of branch fractures by reducing the opening conditions required for them to occur. The proposed calculation method can generate planar fracture morphologies and opening conditions with fractal characteristics, providing a basis for studying complex fracture formation mechanisms during CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing in tight reservoirs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0b8e6fbecd0147b99e96e2c634ec618e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2504-3110 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Fractal and Fractional |
| spelling | doaj-art-0b8e6fbecd0147b99e96e2c634ec618e2025-08-20T03:43:31ZengMDPI AGFractal and Fractional2504-31102025-03-019319110.3390/fractalfract9030191Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal MethodChaoyang Hu0Keyu Ma1Lihua Shi2Yang Lv3Fengjiao Wang4Laboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery of Education Ministry, College of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, ChinaLaboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery of Education Ministry, College of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, ChinaNanniwan Oil Production Plant of Yanchang Oilfield Co., Ltd., Yan’an 716000, ChinaLaboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery of Education Ministry, College of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, ChinaLaboratory of Enhanced Oil Recovery of Education Ministry, College of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, ChinaThe accurate description of fracture distributions is a crucial prerequisite for fracturing design and the evaluation of fracturing effects in tight reservoirs. We employed a fractal L-system to establish a tree branch model and derived a planar simulation method to characterize the distribution of natural weak discontinuities in rock. Weak discontinuities are classified using fractal similarity principles, enabling the determination of shear and opening criteria for weak discontinuities at various levels in water-based and CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing, as well as the pressure drop gradient within fractures after the initiation of weak discontinuities. Based on a weak discontinuity distribution model and fracture criteria, a simulation calculation method for the distribution of fracturing branch fractures was formulated. The results indicate that the number of branch fractures is closely related to the net pressure within the fractures at the wellbore and the difference between the maximum and minimum principal stresses in the reservoir. Compared with water-based fracturing fluids, CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing can facilitate the opening of branch fractures by reducing the opening conditions required for them to occur. The proposed calculation method can generate planar fracture morphologies and opening conditions with fractal characteristics, providing a basis for studying complex fracture formation mechanisms during CO<sub data-eusoft-scrollable-element="1">2</sub> fracturing in tight reservoirs.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3110/9/3/191fractal L-systemweak discontinuityfracture distributionCO<sub>2</sub> fracturing |
| spellingShingle | Chaoyang Hu Keyu Ma Lihua Shi Yang Lv Fengjiao Wang Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method Fractal and Fractional fractal L-system weak discontinuity fracture distribution CO<sub>2</sub> fracturing |
| title | Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method |
| title_full | Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method |
| title_fullStr | Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method |
| title_full_unstemmed | Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method |
| title_short | Simulation Method for the Distribution of Fractured Branches in Tight Reservoirs During CO<sub>2</sub> Fracturing Based on a Fractal Method |
| title_sort | simulation method for the distribution of fractured branches in tight reservoirs during co sub 2 sub fracturing based on a fractal method |
| topic | fractal L-system weak discontinuity fracture distribution CO<sub>2</sub> fracturing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-3110/9/3/191 |
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